The Fight That Couldn’t Be Trained For

Deployed in the Middle East with the New Zealand Defence Force, Sergeant Matthew Cameron-Glaze initially thought that his rapid muscle growth was simply the result of frequent gym sessions.

Matthew works as an aviation rescue firefighter on the airbase. “I thought it was just new muscle growth because we were going to the gym a lot,” he said.

Two weeks later, Matthew was deployed to Dubai, where he had an MRI, and then back home to Auckland for further testing. By the time he arrived, the lump had doubled in size—and by the time he was diagnosed with liposarcoma, it had doubled again.

When Matt was told it was a liposarcoma, he was in the doctor’s office with his wife Emma, a nurse.

“I remember the doctor saying those words, but at the time, it didn’t really register as anything serious,” Matt recalls. “Then I looked at my wife, who knew what sarcoma was, and she said, ‘Matt… you have cancer.’” Matt had never heard the word sarcoma before.

“It was under the muscle,” Matthew continued, “and it grew rapidly.”

“The tumour was the size of two tennis balls,” he said.

“It was weird because at the same time I came home, my father got diagnosed with pancreatic cancer—and he passed away three weeks later,” Matthew said.

“I am thankful for a couple of reasons,” he explained. “First, to be home in time to see my dad before he passed away, and second, to get treated and looked at properly.”

Matthew underwent radiation therapy in preparation for surgery to remove his liposarcoma. “I have noticed it has gotten smaller and softer since starting radiation,” he said.

Matthew’s care was taken over by a specialist sarcoma team at Auckland Hospital, part of an ANZSA-endorsed sarcoma centre. His treatment brought together a multidisciplinary team including a sarcoma surgeon, radiation oncologists, and physiotherapy specialists, all working closely to manage a rare and complex cancer. Alongside hospital care, community nurses have visited his home every 2–3 days to monitor wound dressings and drains, ensuring continuity of care during recovery.

When comparing deployments to the Middle East and Antarctica, and fighting bushfires in Australia, Matthew says the sarcoma in his leg has been the most difficult challenge he has faced.

“In all those work situations I’ve been in, we get training and we know how to do our job. The outcome really depends on you doing your job. But with this sarcoma, it could do whatever.”

“You just want it out of your body,” he said.

Matthew underwent surgery on March 18, 2026.

“Life at the moment is tough,” he said, “but since having the sarcoma removed, I can finally feel as though I am now in control here on out.”

Each day, he completes small but deliberate steps forward, four short walks around the house, as instructed by his physiotherapist—as he works to rebuild strength in his leg.

After surgery, Matthew faces an 18-month recovery due to the removal of a significant portion of his adductor muscle. Physiotherapy will play a central role in helping him regain mobility and function.

Despite everything, it is his family who remain his greatest motivation.

Matthew and his wife Emma have two young daughters, Lily and Tilly. He admits to feeling guilt over not being able to play with them or take them to the park as he once did, as their routine has shifted to more “at home days” during his recovery. But he is determined to return to being the father he wants to be.

“My wife has been an absolute legend,” Matthew said. “She’s working full time, studying for her level 4 nursing certificate, doing school runs, gymnastics, shopping, everything I would normally do. She’s just adapted to it all, while also looking after me at home.”

Matthew also speaks with gratitude about the support from his Air Force peers, who have brought meals, driven him to appointments, and visited regularly throughout his recovery. Alongside that, the Defence Force’s complex care coordinator continues to check in regularly, ensuring he has what he needs both practically and emotionally.

There is still a long road ahead. Recovery will not be quick, and the physical and emotional toll is ongoing. But Matthew is focused on what comes next rather than what lies too far ahead.

“I’m just taking it day by day,” he said. “Each day I feel a bit more comfortable using my leg. And that’s enough for now.”